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Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova develops businesses without borders. Officially based in Portugal, she travels between countries due to the global nature of her business. She owns multiple companies, including the international marketing agency Elledgy Media Group and Spaceset, a space enterprise that builds and launches satellites. Currently, together with her team, Elvira is building a bunker city at an undisclosed location for security reasons. Her activities exemplify how successful businesswomen can create profitable projects that change the world.
Over the last decade, investing in underground residences and bunker complexes has become increasingly popular among wealthy individuals. What used to be perceived as purely defensive structures is now transforming into elite facilities offering high security, luxury, and profitability. Why has underground real estate suddenly become a must-have for billionaires? Is it a justified investment or merely a fashionable trend?
Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova, the founder of a bunker city, explains why billionaires invest in secure complexes and what makes these properties appealing to investors.
Elvira, recently there’s been a lot of talk about investments in underground real estate. Why is this market becoming so popular? Should we start preparing for something? (laughs)
The main reason is the pursuit of safety. The world is changing rapidly – geopolitical instability, climate change, pandemics – all these factors prompt people, especially the wealthy, to consider long-term protection. Bunkers are no longer associated solely with military shelters; they’ve evolved into luxurious residential complexes.
So it’s not just about security, but also luxury?
Exactly! Modern bunkers are genuine underground cities. We’re creating spaces equipped with everything required for comfortable living: swimming pools, gyms, cinemas, and wine cellars. People want more than just a shelter; they seek a luxurious environment.
What other advantages does this type of property offer?
Apart from safety, underground real estate has several significant benefits:
- Exclusivity. The land suitable for bunker construction is limited, and creating such facilities is both challenging and costly, making them valuable assets.
- Autonomy. Thanks to advanced technologies, bunkers can operate independently of the outside world. They have their own energy systems, water purification, and intelligent security systems.
- Investment potential. Demand for this type of real estate is growing, yet availability remains limited. These properties can be profitably resold or rented out in the future.
- Commercial use. They can serve not only as residential complexes but also as storage facilities, data centers, or highly secure offices.
And what are the downsides of living underground?
The primary drawback is the cost. Constructing a high-quality bunker requires substantial investment, which is why we refer to it as elite real estate and a solid long-term investment. Additionally, some people may struggle to adapt to life without natural sunlight, though modern lighting technology significantly compensates for this.
So a bunker is no longer just a “Plan B,” but a fully-fledged part of life?
Absolutely! I often joke that bunker apartments are a “must-have” for today’s billionaires, a status indicator similar to owning a private jet or satellite. It’s simultaneously a secure refuge, a status symbol, and a profitable investment.
Can we say we’re on the threshold of an underground city era?
Yes, and this trend will only grow. In the near future, bunkers will become more than just protective structures – they will be integrated into infrastructure, where people will live, work, and even enjoy entertainment. This represents a new stage in real estate development.
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